Vanessa Kirby’s Dark Turn: Netflix’s Night Always Comes Unveils a Haunting New Role

On August 1, 2025, Netflix unleashed the first trailer for Night Always Comes, a gritty crime-horror thriller starring Vanessa Kirby in a role that’s already sending shivers down viewers’ spines. Known for her poised portrayal of Princess Margaret in The Crown and her action-packed turns in Mission: Impossible and Fast & Furious, Kirby is stepping into uncharted territory with this chilling project. As she gears up for her Marvel Cinematic Universe debut as Sue Storm in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, this Netflix film showcases a raw, desperate side of Kirby that promises to redefine her career. With a stellar cast and a nightmarish premise, Night Always Comes is poised to be her most haunting performance yet.

A New Chapter for Vanessa Kirby

Vanessa Kirby’s rise in Hollywood has been meteoric. Since her 2010 film debut, she’s tackled roles that have cemented her as a versatile star. Her Emmy-nominated performance as Princess Margaret in The Crown’s first two seasons catapulted her to fame, followed by high-octane roles in major franchises like Mission: Impossible and Fast & Furious. In 2021, her heart-wrenching lead in Pieces of a Woman earned her an Academy Award nomination, proving her depth in dramatic roles.

Now, as she prepares to embody the Invisible Woman in The Fantastic Four: First Steps and 2026’s Avengers: Doomsday, Kirby is balancing blockbuster stardom with bold, character-driven projects. Night Always Comes, set to premiere on Netflix on August 15, 2025, marks a daring departure, diving into a world of crime, desperation, and moral ambiguity that contrasts sharply with her MCU heroics.

Night Always Comes: A Descent into Darkness

Adapted from Willy Vlautin’s 2021 novel, Night Always Comes follows Lynette, played by Kirby, a woman racing against time to secure a better future for herself and her developmentally disabled brother. When their mother squanders their house down payment on a car, Lynette embarks on a frantic, one-night quest to raise $25,000 through perilous and illegal means. The film, directed by Benjamin Caron with a screenplay by Sarah Conradt, weaves a tense narrative of obsession, violence, and survival.

Kirby is joined by a formidable ensemble, including Jennifer Jason Leigh, Zack Gottsagen, Randall Park, Eli Roth, and Julia Fox. The trailer, released recently on Netflix, offers a glimpse into Lynette’s harrowing journey—stealing cars, brawling in shadowy corners, and navigating a web of dangerous encounters. Kirby’s portrayal of Lynette’s raw desperation is gripping, with fans on X already dubbing it her most intense role to date.

The Trailer’s Terrifying Impact

The first trailer for Night Always Comes is a masterclass in suspense, blending gritty crime drama with horror undertones. It showcases Kirby’s commanding presence as Lynette, whose every move is driven by a fierce determination to overcome insurmountable odds. Scenes of her engaging in violent confrontations and making desperate deals in dimly lit settings evoke a visceral sense of dread. The trailer’s haunting visuals and pulsating score have sparked buzz, with one X user calling it “pure nightmare fuel.”

This preview not only highlights Kirby’s transformative performance but also sets the stage for a film that promises to push boundaries. The escalation of Lynette’s night, hinted at in the trailer, leaves viewers eager to see how far she’ll go to achieve her goal, making Night Always Comes a must-watch for thriller enthusiasts.

Kirby’s Versatility Shines

Following her Oscar-nominated role in Pieces of a Woman, Night Always Comes reinforces Kirby’s ability to tackle complex, emotionally charged characters. Her portrayal of Lynette—a woman pushed to the brink by circumstance—demonstrates her range, from regal poise to raw intensity. Leading a crime thriller requires a different energy than her franchise roles, and Kirby’s ability to command the screen in such a dark narrative underscores her prowess.

Amid her Marvel commitments, Kirby’s choice to take on this dramatic role is a testament to her dedication to diverse storytelling. While The Fantastic Four and Avengers: Doomsday will showcase her as a superhero, Night Always Comes allows her to explore the gritty, human side of her craft. Fans hope she’ll continue balancing blockbuster and indie projects, showcasing the full spectrum of her talent.

A Star-Studded Ensemble and Visionary Direction

The film’s supporting cast elevates its appeal. Jennifer Jason Leigh, known for her nuanced performances, and Zack Gottsagen, celebrated for The Peanut Butter Falcon, bring depth to Lynette’s world. Randall Park and Julia Fox add intrigue, while Eli Roth’s presence hints at the film’s horror-infused edge. Director Benjamin Caron, known for The Crown and Andor, crafts a tense, atmospheric thriller, with Sarah Conradt’s screenplay amplifying the novel’s raw emotion.

The collaboration of this cast and crew, combined with Kirby’s magnetic lead, positions Night Always Comes as a standout in Netflix’s 2025 slate. The trailer’s reception suggests it could rival Kirby’s past successes, potentially earning her further critical acclaim.

What Lies Ahead for Kirby

Night Always Comes arrives at a pivotal moment in Kirby’s career. As she transitions into the MCU, this Netflix thriller serves as a reminder of her dramatic roots. The film’s August 15 premiere will likely spark discussions about her versatility, especially as she prepares for Avengers: Doomsday. Balancing these high-profile roles showcases her ability to navigate Hollywood’s diverse landscape.

The trailer’s buzz has already ignited fan excitement, with X posts praising Kirby’s “chilling” and “unrecognizable” performance. Whether Night Always Comes earns awards buzz or simply captivates audiences, it solidifies Kirby’s status as a leading force in film. Her ability to shift from superhero to antihero, from red carpets to blood-soaked streets, makes her a star to watch.

A Thriller That Demands Attention

Night Always Comes is more than a crime thriller—it’s a showcase of Vanessa Kirby’s fearless evolution as an actor. With a haunting trailer that promises sleepless nights and a performance poised to redefine her career, Kirby is proving she can conquer any genre. As she steps into the MCU, this Netflix gem reminds us of her raw, transformative power. Mark your calendars for August 15, 2025, and prepare to dive into the dark, desperate world of Night Always Comes—a film that’s as unsettling as it is unforgettable.